Vietnam is quietly adding a new layer to its entry process, and travellers flying into Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) will need to pay attention. From 15 April 2026, most foreign passengers, including Indian passport holders on e-visa or regular visas, will have to complete a new online form before arrival. Even the Vietnam visa process remains required, and this new step comes in addition to it.
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What The New Rule Is
The country has made the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card 2026 compulsory for foreign arrivals into Ho Chi Minh City. It is not replacing visas, and this is important to note. It simply works as an extra immigration step alongside existing Vietnam visa rules. So even if someone already has a valid visa or e-visa, this new form is still required.
How It Works For Travellers
Image Credit: Andreea Popa/Unsplash
Travellers must fill out a Vietnam pre-arrival declaration. The form asks for basic details like passport number, visa or e-visa details, flight information and address in Vietnam. So, booking cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City in advance has now become quite important.
The form must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. After completion, a QR code is generated, which has to be shown at immigration in Ho Chi Minh City, either on a phone or as a printout. It is also part of the Vietnam QR pre-arrival form system.
Also Read: Indians in Vietnam: Is It Really Worth Visiting?
Who It Affects
The rule applies to most foreign nationals, including Indian tourists and business travellers. Transit passengers who go through immigration are also included. Vietnamese citizens and some exempt categories do not need it.
Indian travellers must also complete a digital arrival card and obtain a Vietnam Visa for Indians before starting their trip.
Why Vietnam Introduced It
Image Credit: Hoach Le Dinh/Unsplash
The idea behind this move, or simply Vietnam introduces a digital arrival card, is to reduce queues and speed up processing at Tan Son Nhat Airport. The system supports smoother checks and less manual paperwork.
For longer stays, travellers often check the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City early to avoid higher last-minute prices and get better locations.
Conclusion
Indian travellers still need a valid visa or e-visa, but now must also complete the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card, part of the new Vietnam digital arrival card rule, within 72 hours of travel. It’s a small step online, but an important one before landing in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vietnam Digital Arrival Card
Do we need to fill an arrival card for Vietnam?
Yes, as of April 15, 2026, a mandatory Digital Arrival Card must be completed by all foreign travellers arriving at Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport). While currently required for Ho Chi Minh City, this digital system is expected to expand to other major airports like Hanoi and Da Nang soon.
What is the arrival card form for Vietnam?
The arrival card is an online declaration form found on the Official Vietnam Immigration Pre-Arrival Portal. After submitting your travel and passport details within 72 hours of arrival, you will receive a QR code to present to immigration officers.
Is 10,000 rupees enough for Vietnam?
₹10,000 is generally not enough for a full trip, as average costs for a 7-day budget tour (excluding international flights) range from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000. However, it can cover roughly 4-6 days of basic daily expenses like street food and local transport once you are already in the country.
Found this Useful? Also Read:
What’s Driving Vietnam Tourism Boom 2026? …Here’s the Buzz
Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary: 7 Days in the Land of the Blue Dragon
Temples in Vietnam: Explore a Spiritual Journey Through Beauty & Culture
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